The choice of drill bits when cutting through any material is important. Certain drill bit materials and shapes will cut through the material in different ways, each one creating a different effect or quality of cut. When cutting stee,l this is of even greater concern due to the hardness of the material. Many standard drill bits will not cut into the metal effectively, so choose tools capable of the task.

Titanium Drill Bits

Titanium drill bits are made up of steel, but with a titanium nitride coating. They are suitable drill bits to cut through steel due to their hardness and non-corrosive properties. Titanium drill bits are more expensive than standard drill bits because of their unique properties and ability to cut into steel. Use them within one-off circumstances. Don't use them for everyday drilling jobs.

Cobalt Drill Bits

Cobalt drill bits are made of cobalt steel mixed with cobalt. Similar to titanium, they are suitable to cut through steel due to their hardness. Cobalt also has significant fire-retardant properties. Cobalt drill bits are slightly more expensive because of their unique properties and ability to cut into steel. However, unlike titanium, you can sharpen them, meaning they maintain their drilling precision for much longer than titanium drill bits. Use them for repetitive steel drilling jobs and not for everyday drilling jobs.

Diamond Drill Bits

Diamond drill bits incorporate diamonds. Manufacturers can construct them in a variety of ways. Most commonly, the individual diamonds are held together within the bit with metal, bonding the diamonds together. The use of diamond, the hardest material known to man, makes these drill bits extremely suitable for drilling through steel. Diamond drill bits are more expensive than standard drill bits because the manufacturers use such a precious material , and for their unique ability to cut into steel. Use them within one-off circumstances, also not for everyday drilling jobs.

Carbide Drill Bits

Carbide drill bits are made up of steel, but with a carbide coating. Use them to cut through steel due to their hardness. Although not as hard as other drill bits, such as diamond, they are more suitable for everyday drilling jobs. They are one of the most common drill bit types within the manufacturing industry due to their accuracy and long life.